HC Deb 24 July 2000 vol 354 cc463-4W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what alternatives(a) exist and (b) he has trialled to (i) the life signs monitoring system and (ii) the AVID hand-held radar detection system; and if he will make a statement. [131764]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The Police Scientific Development Branch (PSDB) has evaluated two alternative systems, AVIAN and MICROSEARCH for the detection of life signs in vehicles. PSDB has also conducted trials on the Mandec UK life signs monitoring system for use in calls. Some work has also been conducted on alternative methods of life signs monitoring in cells based on Closed Circuit Television and optical systems, audio systems or microwave radiation.

PSDB has not trialled AVID or other hand held radar detection systems for detection of people or animals in freight.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the search protocols agreed with the passenger and freight transport industry on the searching of vehicles seeking entry into the UK in(a) France and (b) the UK. [131774]

Mrs. Roche

A draft copy of the Civil Penalty Codes of Practice was placed in the Library on 3 March this year. I will arrange for the final version of the Codes of Practice to be placed in the Library next week.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the unit cost of(a) an AVID hand-held radar system and (b) a static X-ray system, for the detection of people and animals in freight trucks; and if he will make a statement. [131772]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The cost of the AVID system is not known. Static X-ray systems are not designed to detect people and animals. The cost of a static X-ray system for detecting drugs, explosives, weapons and other contraband ranges from £190,000 to £4,118,000.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what trials have been held at(a) Dover and (b) Portsmouth into the use of hand-held radar systems for the detection of people and animals in freight trucks; on what dates; and if he will make a statement. [131771]

Mrs. Roche

An inconclusive trial of a radar system was held at Dover on 25 August 1999. A trial of a hand-held radar device will begin at Portsmouth on 26 July. A trial of some other equipment will begin as soon as the supplier receives the upgraded hardware from the manufacturer.

The Immigration Service is holding discussions with other companies who are pursuing a range of solutions and further trials are a possibility.

If the initial trials of the radar and heartbeat devices at Portsmouth prove promising, the trials will be transferred to Dover.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the role of Status 3 in Harlington in respect of hand-held radar systems for truck searches at ports. [131779]

Mrs. Roche

The Immigration Service at Status Park has for some years been seeking low cost, portable and effective devices to detect the presence of human beings hidden inside vehicles and freight containers. The search has included small handheld devices. The Immigration Service at Status Park has conducted trials of such equipment within the last few years and will continue to consult with the industry to find a workable solution.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what trials have been conducted at Belmarsh Prison into life signs monitoring systems; with what results; and if he will make a statement. [131769]

Mr. Boateng

A trial of the Life Signs monitoring system was conducted during 1999 at Belmarsh Prison in an unoccupied room in the Health Care Centre. Unfortunately the equipment failed and the trial was aborted. The Prison Service are currently considering how best to proceed with this project in order to test out the feasibility of this system.